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Frequently Asked Questions

Parents
What is ESOL?
  • ESOL stands for "English for Speakers of Other Languages." You may also see the term ELL which stands for "English Language Learner."
How is a student classified as ESOL?
  • When a child registers for school in the United States, a form is completed which asks about the languages spoken in the home. If you answer YES to any of those questions, then your child will be given a standardized test to determine what proficiency he or she does have. This test must be given to the student within twenty days of the child's LEP classification. The child is immediately placed in classes that will provide additional language support for learning in an English-speaking environment.

Students
How will being classified as ESOL affect a student's learning?
  • In Citrus County, students enrolled in ESOL will be in traditional classes with other students, learning the same content. Nevertheless, it is recognized that the student with limited English language proficiency will not retain the same information as readily as the English proficient student. This process is called "immersion" and will help the limited English proficient student to improve in English language use.
Are ESOL students learning the same?
  • The response is yes and no. At the high school level, the same material is covered, but the student with limited English proficiency is assessed on improvement of vocabulary and language ability as well as his or her understanding of larger disciplinary concepts. At the elementary and middle levels, the students are all learning basic skills or behaviors. The student with limited English proficiency will learn the same skills and behaviors at a different rate.
How do I get out of the ESOL program?
  • To exit the ESOL program, a student must be re-tested and observed for two years.
Do students with limited English language proficiency take state standardized testing?
  • Yes. While students are exempted from taking the English Language Arts assessment during their first year in the United States, all ELLs take all other state assessments. After one year in the country, ELLs also take the English Language Arts assessments. They will be given extra time to complete the test. A dictionary with translated words only will be provided to the student during the test.
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Teachers
Who needs to be trained to teach ESOL?
  • According to the Consent Decree, the court decision that make ESOL mandatory, all instructors, administrators, guidance counselors, and support staff in the schools should receive varying amounts of ESOL training.
How do I get records of the ESOL training I have completed?
  • If you have taken training in-services in Citrus County, you can request a record of the in-services you have completed by contacting the Professional Development Department in the District Service Center. Your request should be in writing (or email) and should include your full name and Social Security Number.
  • If you have records in another county, you must request those records in writing by contacting the Professional Development in the former county. Get a copy of those records yourself, but also have a copy sent directly to the Citrus County School District Professional Development Director, Lindy Woythaler, in the District Service Center, 1007 W. Main St, Inverness, 34450.
  • If you have ESOL training on your college transcript, those records need to be assessed by the Citrus County School District Professional Development office.
What training is available in Citrus County? When? Where? How do I enroll?
  • Currently, Citrus County offers all five ESOL modules and the 18-hour overview course. The information for each semester's course offerings is sent via the Citrus County School District network email.  

Administrators
Who needs to attend ESOL in-service training?
  • According to the Florida Consent Decree, the court decision that made ESOL mandatory, all instructors, administrators, guidance counselors, and support staff in the schools should receive varying amounts of ESOL training.